Anyone driving past Maria Parham Hospital Wednesday afternoon may have wondered what in the world was going on – the Henderson Fire Department’s Engine 1 was parked smack dab in the middle of the circular drive of the lower level where the cancer center is located.

The department’s ladder truck was parked nearby, too, but there were no lights flashing, no sirens blaring.

But the firefighters weren’t there responding to a call – they had come to make a donation to the cancer center’s Angel Fund – a check totaling $20,508.

Battalion Chief Lee Edmonds and more than a half-dozen other firefighters gathered under the canopied drive at the cancer center’s main doors and presented the check to hospital officials and staff who graciously accepted it.

Hope Breedlove, hospital social worker, thanked the firefighters for their generosity, calling their annual fundraiser an example of “our community coming together to support our community…that’s just love.”

Edmonds said he and fellow firefighters stop traffic each fall in front of Central Fire Station on Dabney Drive for its “fill the boot” campaign. Since 2016, the fire department has been able to donate more than $80,000 for the cancer center’s Angel Fund, which is used to provide transportation, medicine and more for patients during their treatment.

Edmonds talked to John C. Rose about the check presentation during Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Edmonds said he and the other firefighters “love being out there and being social with the community.” And drivers are generous with their donations, even though filling those empty boots does mean backing up an already-congested Dabney Drive.

For once a year, it’s ok, Edmonds said.

“It gives you time to get your money out of your pocket,” he said.

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